Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
Hatiora gaertneri
Plant Common Name
Holiday Cactus
General Description
The holiday cactus is named for the season of its bloom as well as its luminescent red or magenta flowers which make it a popular gift plant. It is a unique species native to the jungles of southern Brazil. Natural populations are epiphytic, which means plants live in the trees. They prefer the crotches between tree branches where organic matter and moisture accumulate. Its preferred habitat is similar to that of many orchids.
The foliage of this succulent is much like that of a typical Christmas cactus. Its free-branching dark green stems are flat and divided into many segments. As specimens age they become very large, both in the wild and cultivation. In time they take on a distinctly pendulous character. Very tiny spines may be present in the notches of the stem edges but are often absent. Like other cacti they have areoles at the tips of the older stem segments which may produce new stems. The terminal areoles of the youngest segments produce symmetrical day-blooming scarlet flowers in the early months of the year. Fruits that follow are small, round and of little ornamental value.
These popular houseplants are most often grown in hanging pots or baskets with light, highly organic soil. They are at home in the humid South where summers are consistently hot and moist. Holiday cactus grow best in bright filtered light or partial sun and will not tolerate dry air. Plants are easily grown indoors provided they are kept well away from exterior doors as well as heating and air conditioning vents or units. These are excellent plants for hanging moss baskets.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 14
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 24
-
Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
-
Height
10"-18" / 25.4cm - 45.7cm
-
Width
12"-14" / 30.5cm - 35.6cm
-
Bloom Time
Early Spring, Winter, Late Winter
-
Native To
South America, Brazil
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Red, Magenta, Crimson
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single, Semi-Double
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
